April 27, 2012 > The Bookworm: "I Got My Dream Job and So Can You" by Pete Leibman

The Bookworm: "I Got My Dream Job and So Can You" by Pete Leibman

So what are you gonna do after college?

That's the question that's irritated you for the better part of eight months. Everybody's been asking you and if you knew, you'd tell them.

The thought of taking a job just to have a job makes you feel awful. You can't imagine getting up Monday through Friday to do something you hate while other people are doing jobs you'd kill to have. So, short of violence, how can you snag a once-in-a-lifetime position?

Read the new book "I Got My Dream Job and So Can You" by Pete Leibman, and you might find out.

What would you do with 5 million minutes?

Work. That's the answer because 40 years of work equals around 5 million minutes on the job, maybe more. And now that you know that, you can understand why it's worth taking a few minutes now to ensure that you enjoy every one of those 5 million.

Author Pete Leibman says that the key to getting your dream job is simple: S.I.M.P.L.E. But first, you need to learn to smile and nod and disregard most of the career advice you get from family and friends, because it's wrong.

Then, Start. Quit making excuses, stop blaming the economy and understand that you can do something or do nothing. Choose wisely and act accordingly.

Know what you want by Identifying your dream job. Start with the big picture and ask yourself some important questions. Figure out where you want to be.

Get yourself a Makeover. Learn to stand tall and confident. Pay attention to personal details, polish your look, and be sure you don't reek of cigarettes or cologne.

Plan where you're going by networking and asking for referrals. Look for your dream job because it's not like pizza: it won't be delivered to you. Use your contacts, networks, LinkedIn, and know who not to approach.

Finally, Execute your plan. Do your homework before an interview. Know the deadly sins of interviewing. And once you land the job, B.E.P.R.O.

Think the end of college means you have to take whatever job comes along?

Not so, says author Pete Leibman. In "I Got My Dream Job and So Can You," he explains - among other things - how he landed his own fantasy position amid an economic downturn.

I found a lot of interesting observations in this book, and tips that would be extremely useful for any job-seeker. On the other hand, there are a lot of basic, common-sensical instructions that you'll probably already know if you've ever held a job, and that may test your attention span.

Still, reminders are good - especially when you absolutely, positively need to stand out and shine.

Meant for new college grads, I think this book also makes a nice gift for work-bound high school graduates or for adults who are sick of the daily grind and want more from their work lives. If that's you, then reading "I Got My Dream Job and So Can You" is what you need to do.